MARKS and Spencer is set to close its distribution centre in Woolston, it has been announced.

The Hardwick Grange site will close in September as part of the company’s ‘five-year transformation programme’, putting around 450 jobs at risk.

M&S says that creating a combined clothing and home logistics network will allow it to move products from suppliers to stores ‘faster and at a lower cost’.

As part of this move, it will move to a smaller network of large distribution.

The chain’s distribution centre in Bradford is currently being automated to handle increased capacity, leading to the closure of the Warrington branch – which is operated by XPO Logistics.

Both XPO Logistics and DHL – which runs transport operations at Hardwick Grange – have now entered into a period of consultation with employees based on the site.

Gordon Mowat, director of clothing and home supply chain and logistics at M&S, said: “Closing Hardwick Grange will help to remove some complexity from our network and speed up our supply chain.

“However, it was not a decision we took lightly and it is not in any way a reflection on the hard work and dedication provided by the teams on site.

“We will do all we can to support our partners through the consultation process.”